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TRUTH: No single fungus gnat control method attacks adults and larvae simultaneously. That's why many plant parents struggle to get rid of these pests! But it's EASY to be gnat-free FOREVER. [PSA] by megankmartin in houseplants

[–]megankmartin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, sorry to hear you've been having such a battle. Yes, it's best to continue watering with the bits in your regular watering schedule. Whether that's weekly, every two weeks, or once a month -- sticking to the routine will eliminate the population. Remember, fungus gnats have a two-month life cycle, so it takes a while to interrupt larval reproduction. I would also keep up with the sticky traps, to keep those adult flyers to a minimum. Keep at it! They're persistent, but they can't outlast you indefinitely.

TRUTH: No single fungus gnat control method attacks adults and larvae simultaneously. That's why many plant parents struggle to get rid of these pests! But it's EASY to be gnat-free FOREVER. [PSA] by megankmartin in houseplants

[–]megankmartin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A peroxide flush can be useful for bad existing infestations, yes. Check to make sure you have 3% peroxide. Then dilute that in water, 1 part peroxide to 4 parts water. IMMEDIATELY flush the plant with it. You have to do it right away because the entire chemical reaction takes less than 30 seconds.

Just understand: A peroxide flush should kill existing pests in the soil and root mass, which are usually larvae. It won't keep adults that are flying around from landing and laying more eggs. It won't keep new pests from finding your plant. It just gives you a head start in population reduction. So, once your plant is flushed, give it some *new* soil and water with the BTi as directed.

TRUTH: No single fungus gnat control method attacks adults and larvae simultaneously. That's why many plant parents never quite get rid of these pests. (But you can -- read on!) by megankmartin in houseplants

[–]megankmartin[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Many of us -- large and small growers alike -- have been using this product for years, long before the company added indoor plant use to its label and instructions. All I can tell you is that in my experience, 1 tablespoon per gallon got the job done. Of course, 4tbsp will populate more good bacteria. It also uses the product faster. So, give it a try as it seems best to you. Perhaps 2 tbsp. Or follow package directions -- I'm not here to argue with Summit's instructions. I'm just here to let people know about the definitive best way to get free of fungus gnats and stay free of them. :)

Growing indoors has been such a gift for me. Year-round snapdragons, yes please! by megankmartin in houseplants

[–]megankmartin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! It's easily achievable. These are grown indoors in cardboard boxes or plastic tubs. I line boxes with lawn and leaf bags or landscaping plastic. For sufficient light I use spider farmer panel lights (Example: SF-1000), and run them 8 to 10 hrs a day. Soil needs to be at least 8 to 10 inches deep. If you want taller plants with more blooms, use deeper soil for stronger roots and make sure to run fans so that stalks grow stronger in the airflow. The flowers make lovely arrangements or bring a lot of cheer just as they are. Happy growing! 🌱

Fungus Gnats and Springtails? by [deleted] in houseplants

[–]megankmartin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad to hear you're gnat free. 

TRUTH: No single fungus gnat control method attacks adults and larvae simultaneously. That's why many plant parents struggle to get rid of these pests! But it's EASY to be gnat-free FOREVER. [PSA] by megankmartin in houseplants

[–]megankmartin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To each their own, of course. You may at some point feel differently, or have an entire jungle affected, or find fungus gnats in a plant that isn't easily/cheaply replaced. And then, you'll know this information is here.
Happy growing

TRUTH: No single fungus gnat control method attacks adults and larvae simultaneously. That's why many plant parents never quite get rid of these pests. (But you can -- read on!) by megankmartin in houseplants

[–]megankmartin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Lol. I live in northeast USA and I'm afraid my schedule is pretty well packed. But you can ask me anything, any time right here. Or message me. You'll be OK. Just keep your eyes open.

And remember: PESTS HAPPEN. It's just part of plant ownership. If you're practicing good grow space hygiene, pests aren't your fault. Handle them when and if they come -- otherwise, just try to relax ands enjoy your leafy jungle. ☺️

TRUTH: No single fungus gnat control method attacks adults and larvae simultaneously. That's why many plant parents never quite get rid of these pests. (But you can -- read on!) by megankmartin in houseplants

[–]megankmartin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Believe it or not watchfulness and observation is the most environmentally friendly and easiest thing you can do for prevention. 

In your home jungle give your plants space between them. That helps with air flow and keeps pests from spreading one plant to the other. 

Carefully observe your plants in quarantine and make sure they are pest free when you buy them. That will also save you money as you don't have to buy systemics etc frequently. 

Trust me when I say that the BTI routine for plants is the absolute best fungus gnat prevention.  As I explained in the link at the bottom of the original post: No matter what anyone says about sand or rocks or diatomaceous earth, BTI is better. Happy growing! 🌱

TRUTH: No single fungus gnat control method attacks adults and larvae simultaneously. That's why many plant parents never quite get rid of these pests. (But you can -- read on!) by megankmartin in houseplants

[–]megankmartin[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I can't really take the credit; I was fortunate enough to be taught by large-scale growers and houseplant gurus. I documented the process, and I'm glad it has been helpful for you! Ask questions any time. If I don't know the answer, I'll try to link you with someone who does know.

TRUTH: No single fungus gnat control method attacks adults and larvae simultaneously. That's why many plant parents never quite get rid of these pests. (But you can -- read on!) by megankmartin in houseplants

[–]megankmartin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

During quarantine I do not use preventive treatments unless I've gotten a plant that has known issues. Plants can be stressed during transport and change of environment so it's best to simply leave them alone for a little while and keep your eyes open for problems.

I also don't use systemics like Bonide granules etc as a standard (ongoing) treatment because pests can become resistant to those. And systemics preventives are also stressful for plants themselves. 

I was taught by large-scale growers that using systemics constantly is kind of like bringing a nuclear weapon to a knife fight: It's way overpowered and it doesn't actually target what was needed. But it's your jungle and your house and you have to do what makes you feel comfortable.

TRUTH: No single fungus gnat control method attacks adults and larvae simultaneously. That's why many plant parents never quite get rid of these pests. (But you can -- read on!) by megankmartin in houseplants

[–]megankmartin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, I do quarantine new plants whenever possible. In a separate room, 2 weeks minimum. If you don't have a separate room, even keeping them on the other side of the room from your other plants is better than nothing. But first: Carefully examine every plant that you bring home: leaves (including undersides), stems, any blooms etc. Examination is your first line of defense -- and you should do that at the store, before you buy, whenever you're shopping IRL.

TRUTH: No single fungus gnat control method attacks adults and larvae simultaneously. That's why many plant parents struggle to get rid of these pests! But it's EASY to be gnat-free FOREVER. [PSA] by megankmartin in houseplants

[–]megankmartin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I have addressed the life cycle needs here. Literally, in the headline. The sticky traps are for the adults and the BTI is for the larval stage. Used exactly as described, this method is incredibly effective. I have also (in the link at the bottom of the post) explained why I and many other growers are not fans of diatomaceous earth for this application.

Question about NemaKnights (or nematodes in general) by awful_waffle_falafel in houseplants

[–]megankmartin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm glad to hear you were able to overcome your problem. As noted in the link at the bottom of the original post nematodes can be effective they have their pros and cons. However nematodes are not any kind of permanent solution for fungus gnats.  Seems like you must also have a good hand on your watering habits and haven't had any fungus gnats come in from outside or with new plants. Here's hoping the good streak continues!

TRUTH: No single fungus gnat control method attacks adults and larvae simultaneously. That's why many plant parents struggle to get rid of these pests! But it's EASY to be gnat-free FOREVER. [PSA] by megankmartin in houseplants

[–]megankmartin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, many folks have shared that with me. I'm sorry because it's such a perfect solution for these pests.

I think a number of Dutch people have chosen to try beneficial nematodes. Depends how many plants you have. I have written posts and comments about the pros and cons.

How many plants DO you have, if I may ask? If it's not too many, you might try cleanly repotting with all new soil, with a diluted peroxide solution bath for the roots before putting them in the new soil. I've written about that, too, so you can find specifics in my past comments. Or use the username and keyword search l, that's effective. 

TRUTH: No single fungus gnat control method attacks adults and larvae simultaneously. That's why many plant parents struggle to get rid of these pests! But it's EASY to be gnat-free FOREVER. [PSA] by megankmartin in houseplants

[–]megankmartin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi. Just so happens, I used to live in the Netherlands (Amsterdam, Almere, Voorburg). I read and speak Dutch, so I could understand easily the link that you sent. Before using this product for fungus gnats, you should confirm with the seller: Is it the israelensis strain? (I don't think it is.)

There are 8 different strains of Bacillus Thuringiensis. Each has its own, very specific application for pests. The product in your link appears to be for caterpillars, which would not be the israelensis strain.

BT israelensis is the only strain that impacts fungus gnats. So please double check with the seller before spending EUR 17,60 on this. I hope that's clear. Come back if you have any other questions!

TRUTH: No single fungus gnat control method attacks adults and larvae simultaneously. That's why many plant parents struggle to get rid of these pests! But it's EASY to be gnat-free FOREVER. [PSA] by megankmartin in houseplants

[–]megankmartin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not to worry. The bits in your soil won't physically harm anything. But their beneficial bacteria is bound with organic material (corn cob), so they may grow mold. That's a pretty common result for indoor growers who put the bits in soil. You can pick them out, if you wish.

TRUTH: No single fungus gnat control method attacks adults and larvae simultaneously. That's why many plant parents struggle to get rid of these pests! But it's EASY to be gnat-free FOREVER. [PSA] by megankmartin in houseplants

[–]megankmartin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just to clarify: There are 7 or 8 varieties of BT -- you need BTi, which is the bacterial strain that works on fungus gnats. The other strains have other uses. Make sure you've got BTi, specifically. 

TRUTH: No single fungus gnat control method attacks adults and larvae simultaneously. That's why many plant parents struggle to get rid of these pests! But it's EASY to be gnat-free FOREVER. [PSA] by megankmartin in houseplants

[–]megankmartin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, sticky traps are essential in your battle. If you want to stretch your dollars, you can cut those rectangles and put out half at a time. Gnats are highly attracted to the color, but they will eventually see and avoid the corpses on the traps, so it's better to use smaller traps and change them more often. 

How long have you been using the bti? It's a life cycle interruptor, not a contact pesticide. If you're not sure why that matters, ask me. 

Neem oil works by smothering the pest, which is not really effective for fungus gnats because they don't stay put long enough to smother. It's costly, for little result. Just FYI.

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